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eternal

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eternal sleep

A euphemism for death. Even though she had been sick for months, we were all devastated when our grandmother entered her eternal sleep.

See also: eternal, sleep

eternal life

Euph. life after death. He passed on into eternal life, leaving us behind to mourn. She is now at rest in eternal life.

See also: eternal, life

(the) eternal triangle

a sexual or emotional relationship involving two women and one man or two men and one woman. (*Typically, a couple [man and woman] and another man or woman.) Henry can't choose between his wife and his mistress. It's the eternal triangle. I'm surprised Jane doesn't get tired of the eternal triangle. She goes out with Peter at the weekend and Jim during the week.

See also: eternal, triangle

Hope springs eternal (in the human breast).

Prov. People will continue to hope even though they have evidence that things cannot possibly turn out the way they want. (From Alexander Pope's poem, "Essay on Man." Sometimes used to remark that you believe someone's situation is hopeless, as in the first example.) Jill: The boss may have turned me down the first twelve times I asked for a raise, but this time I really think she'll give it to me. Jane: Hope springs eternal in the human breast. Alan: You're not still trying to teach the dog to shake hands! Jane: Hope springs eternal.

See also: eternal, hope, spring

eternal triangle

A relationship involving three lovers, such as two women involved with one man or two men with one woman. For example, The plot of the murder mystery revolved around the eternal triangle of a husband, wife, and another woman . [c. 1900]

See also: eternal, triangle

hope springs eternal

People will keep on hoping, no matter what the odds. For example, I keep buying lottery tickets-hope springs eternal. This expression was coined by Alexander Pope ( An Essay on Man, 1732) and quickly became proverbial.

See also: eternal, hope, spring

the eternal checkout

n. death. Hank knew the eternal checkout was just around the corner, and he suddenly got religion.

See also: eternal